---
The Name of Fear
Yorogumo.
The name carried an aura of unmatched strength. Known as the number one player in Korea, Yorogumo was said to be the strongest National Ranker—a man whose power eclipsed all others. To face him was to invite certain defeat, yet Gok and Wu-Ji had no choice. Reclaiming the fragment of the Infinite Blade he wielded was their only path forward.
As they approached the sprawling training grounds where Yorogumo resided, Wu-Ji couldn't shake the tension in the air. "It's not just about strength," he muttered. "We need to figure out what he knows about Venik. Something tells me he's more than just a Ranker."
Gok remained silent, his eyes focused. He had seen countless battles, but the mention of Venik sent a chill down his spine.
---
The Encounter
They arrived at the center of the training grounds, where Yorogumo awaited them. His appearance was both elegant and menacing—he wore intricate armor that shimmered like spider silk, and his crimson cloak billowed with every movement. His weapon, a massive blade infused with the black aura of the Infinite Blade fragment, rested casually against his shoulder.
"You must be the infamous MAD and the traitorous Zodiac," Yorogumo said with a smirk. "I've been expecting you."
Wu-Ji stepped forward, his hand gripping the hilt of his Infinity Dagger. "We're here for answers. Venik... What do you know about him?"
Yorogumo's smile widened. "Venik? Ah, the puppet master behind the game. But why waste words? Show me your strength. Perhaps then, I'll consider sharing what I know."
---
The Battle Begins
Without hesitation, Wu-Ji activated his most powerful skill. The ground beneath him cracked as a blinding energy enveloped his body. He leaped into the air, his dagger aimed straight for Yorogumo's heart.
Yorogumo moved with impossible speed, deflecting the attack with a single motion. His eyes glinted with a strange, golden hue that sent a wave of unease through Wu-Ji.
As the fight intensified, Yorogumo's movements became erratic, almost inhuman. His golden eyes burned brighter, their hue eerily similar to Rat's.
Wu-Ji hesitated for a moment, his instincts screaming that something was wrong. But before he could react, Yorogumo's voice boomed across the battlefield.
"Do you think you can stand against the power of the Void?"
---
The Revelation
Gok's eyes widened in shock as he watched Yorogumo's form distort. The air around him shimmered with Void energy, the same dark force Rat had used to trap Gok in the Rift years ago.
"Void ability...!" Wu-Ji whispered in horror.
In that instant, Yorogumo lunged forward with terrifying speed. Gok's voice roared across the battlefield. "Wu-Ji, run! He's not just a player—he has the Void ability!"
Wu-Ji barely had time to react as Yorogumo's blade came down. Channeling every ounce of his strength, he activated his Zodiac powers, creating a barrier of shimmering energy. The barrier shattered on impact, sending him flying backward.
---
The Escape
Wu-Ji struggled to his feet, his body trembling from the force of the blow. Yorogumo advanced slowly, his golden eyes locked onto Wu-Ji like a predator sizing up its prey.
"Did Rat send you?" Yorogumo asked, his voice laced with mockery. "Or are you just another pawn in his game?"
Gok wasted no time. Channeling the Infinite energy within him, he unleashed a massive shockwave that temporarily halted Yorogumo's advance. He grabbed Wu-Ji and bolted from the battlefield.
"We're not ready for this," Gok muttered as they fled. "Not yet."
---
The Warning
As they regrouped in a hidden location, Wu-Ji clenched his fists. "He's more than a National Ranker. That Void energy... it's not just from the fragment. It's something else. Something... alive."
Gok nodded grimly. "If Rat's Void ability is connected to Yorogumo, then this is bigger than we thought. But we'll figure it out. First, we need to regroup—and prepare for what's coming."
As the chapter closed, a shadow loomed over the Ranker world. The stakes had never been higher,